Buyer

Position Summary
This role supports end-to-end procurement of materials and services necessary to support production and business operations while ensuring continuity of supply, cost effectiveness, and compliance. This role supports maintenance and accuracy of systems data, executing engineering change orders, resolving supplier non-conformances, and participating in continuous improvement and LEAN initiatives, while ensuring safety, quality, and delivery standards are met.

Steffes Core Values
• Trust: We promote growth and long-term success by making wise decisions with trust as an essential component.
• Respect: We unleash creative talents of our diverse workforce by treating each other the way we would like to be treated.
• Teamwork: We believe people achieve much more by working together.
• Integrity: We follow through and keep our word while being open, honest, ethical, and fair.
• Safety: We view our co-workers as family members of our business and strive to ensure safety for all.
• Humility: We recognize and appreciate strengths and contributions beyond one’s self. We are modest, genuine, and authentic.

Key Responsibilities
1. Execute purchase orders for goods and services in alignment with demand, planning signals, and company procedures.
2. Review and confirm order acknowledgements for accuracy related to quantities, prices, and delivery dates.
3. Manage open orders; coordinate with suppliers to adjust quantities and delivery schedules to support production requirements.
4. Maintain appropriate inventory levels to prevent production interruptions while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
5. Monitor and support accuracy and integrity of ERP inputs and system values to ensure accurate purchasing of items (inventory, min on hand, reorder quantity, lead time, etc.).
6. Responsible for reviewing and processing non-conformance claims against suppliers for unsatisfactory materials or equipment ensuring supplier root cause analysis and corrective action are appropriate and effective.
7. Assist with selection and development of reliable suppliers, control of pricing, and quality of goods.
8. Request quotations and secure bids for raw materials and supplies, in support of Sourcing team.
9. Support negotiations related to pricing, lead times, terms, inventory ownership, quality, and transportation.
10. Support and/or lead Procurement activities tied to Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), ensuring material availability, system accuracy, and supplier alignment.
11. Collaborate with Engineering and Sourcing on product specifications and identification of alternate or substitute materials.
12. Participate in ERP upgrades, system testing, and process enhancement initiatives as required.
13. Contribute to continuous improvement efforts, including LEAN initiatives, waste reduction, and process standardization.
14. Support projects such as aged inventory disposition, systems maintenance, and Quality Management System (QMS) compliance activities
15. Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and remote team members to support operational needs, including onsite coordination when required.
16. Reduces overall costs while improving safety, quality, and delivery.
17. Manages time effectively, strives to maximize efficiency, and finds ways to optimize resources.
18. Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating collaboratively with customers, suppliers, co-workers, and management.
19. Helps company meet its Strategic, Quality and Safety objectives.
20. Other duties may be assigned.

Core Expectations
• Customer Service - Demonstrate excellent customer service and display a positive attitude and behavior consistent with the Steffes Code of Conduct and Core Values.
• Environmental, Health, Safety (EHS) – Perform work in compliance with EHS training and identified procedures/standard work. Report any EHS incident or concern to your supervisor immediately. Cooperate and contribute to the overall success of the EHS program.
• Quality – Participate in job-specific training. Complete work as indicated by standard work, processes, and/or procedures. If your work can’t be completed as required, notify your supervisor immediately for guidance.
• Conduct - Demonstrate and support the Steffes Code of Conduct.
• Policies and Procedures - Demonstrate and support Steffes Policies and Procedures by:
     o Using tact, sound judgement, and maintaining a professional attitude in communication and relationships with others.
     o Striving to deliver the best quality in daily work.
     o Promoting a positive image of Steffes and its products.
     o Being timely and punctual in attendance and following all policies and procedures.

Job Requirements/Qualifications
• Bachelors’ Degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Operations Management or related field.
• Previous experience in a procurement role is preferred.
• Basic computer knowledge (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet).
• Intermediate math skills
• Good written and verbal communication, math, reading, and spelling skills.
OR
• An acceptable combination of education and experience

Buyer Job Level Definition
Buyer Level 1
Years of Buyer Experience
• 0-3 years

Performance/Duties
• Executes routine/tactical purchase orders
• Minimized scope of approval for PO limits and expediting cost with considerable oversite
• Responsible for processing basic non-conformances/fulfillment issues
• Supports processing of engineering change orders

Buyer Level 2
Years of Buyer Experience
• 3+ years

Performance/Duties
• Executes complex/strategic purchase orders
• Moderate scope of approval for PO limits and expediting cost with minimal oversight
• Responsible for processing complex non-conformances/quality issues
• Responsible for procurement activities of Engineering Change orders
• Mentors Buyer 1’s
• Contributes to system upgrades and testing efforts
• Supports or drives process improvement
• Supports interview, selection, onboarding, and training of new hires
• Acts as designated backup to the supervisor when needed, handling escalations, facilitating meetings, and executing presentations

Functional & Cognitive Requirements of Position
• This position requires walking, sitting, or standing to a significant degree.
• Must have the ability to lift 50 pounds from floor to waist, carry 50 pounds, and push and/or pull up to 20 pounds.
• Must have the ability to climb ladders and/or stairs.
• Stooping, crouching, kneeling, and bending.
• Handling, feeling, and gripping would be required for some activities.
• This role may be subject to internal and external environmental conditions
• Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, make timely decisions in the context of a workflow, ability to communicate with visitors, ability to complete tasks in situations that have a speed or productivity quota.